May it please your Excellency:
A few days ago a ship arrived here as a prise taken by Capt. Meredith of this port. She was bound from Mississippi to Jamaica.
I some time ago sent to a gentleman in New Bern to procure my Commission as Judge of the Court of Admirality for the port of Brunswick, also the directions laid down by the Continental Congress for the Admiralty Courts, and to send them to me: his answer was they were not yet arrived from Congress.
As I am at a loss in what manner to proceed without those directions, permit me to request the favor of your Excellency, if you are in possession of them, to direct your secretary to furnish me with them pr Bearer, as also my Commission; as I do not know the charges, I enclose ten dollars, which if not sufficient, be pleased to advise me, that I may send it pr first opportunity.